Living up to the hype

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This spectacular thrill ride lives up to the hype. The gripping
solo campaign features many exciting tactical battles. In a
surprising twist, players do not always control Master Chief. The
epic scale astounds, with dazzling scenery including space
stations, war-torn cities, temples, snowy wastelands and ruins. The
audio is equally extravagant.

Missions have many memorable scenes, including a Covenant
assault on Earth. Vehicles play a bigger role and hijacking alien
transport is a crucial tactic. Driving a Warthog through a chaotic
battle is spine-tingling. Many weapon combinations are possible
thanks to dual-wielding capability, and new weapons such as the
battle rifle and energy swords are terrific.

It would be a tragedy if this wild romp got lost among this
year's many blockbusters. The variety is fantastic: you blast
enemies, solve puzzles, wear disguises, command helper robots and
monkeys, drive vehicles, collect bolts, strap on armoured suits,
swim underwater, skydive, pilot planes, hack computer systems and
more.

Better still, exciting multi-player games let players battle
against friends (and turn them into sheep). Deathmatch, capture the
flag and a fantastic Siege mode can be enjoyed split-screen or
online. The gadgets are terrific, including the goo-firing Infector
that brainwashes enemies into attacking each other, the spectacular
plasma whip and the duck-creating QuackORay.

Weapon capabilities are upgraded after frequent use. The
dialogue between the space ace mechanic and his robotic chum is
often hilarious.

Gamecube

Paper Mario

Nintendo, G8+, RRP $100, * * * *

Mario games always feature paper-thin plots with our favourite
plumber flat-out rescuing the princess, but the moustachioed
marvel's girth has been compressed for this charming adventure.

Mario can fold himself into a plane to glide over gaps, squeeze
through cracks, roll into a tube and even tear off backgrounds to
reveal secret passages. It is a role-playing adventure, but there
is plenty of action.

The turn-based combat is interactive, demanding well-timed
button presses to increase damage, defend against onslaughts and
repel attacks. There is lots of scope for customisation, thanks to
multiple teammates with unique skills, a wide variety of attacks
and special moves learnt by acquiring badges.

Battles can become repetitive and backtracking is frequently
required, but it is a lengthy journey filled with entertaining
scenes and a clever, self-referential script.